Anthony Volpe Struggles in Yankees’ Recent Loss to Orioles

In the latest matchup against the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night, Anthony Volpe continued to face challenges at the plate. Entering the game with a staggering 0-for-20 slump, the Yankees shortstop’s performance has raised eyebrows within the team, leading manager Aaron Boone to comment on the state of Volpe’s swing.

Boone’s Assessment

Boone described Volpe’s current swing issues as stemming from timing and rhythm, emphasizing the necessity for players to make effective swing decisions. "He’s just got to get on time. I feel he’s a little late getting into position," Boone remarked after Volpe went hitless in four at-bats with two strikeouts during the Yankees’ 5-3 loss at Yankee Stadium.

Anthony Volpe reacts dejectedly after striking out in the seventh inning of the Yankees’ loss to the Orioles. Robert Sabo for New York Post

Aiming for Improvement

Despite his recent struggles, hitting coach James Rowson expressed optimism regarding Volpe’s potential. He noted, "Where Volpe is, I don’t look at his swing of going down the road of being off. It’s the normal ebbs and flows of a swing." According to Rowson, the key is for Volpe to find his timing again, stating that a couple of good at-bats could lead to a breakthrough.

Key Stats

• Volpe’s Current OPS: .710 (the lowest since April)
• Recent Performance: 0-for-4 with 2 strikeouts in the latest game
• Extended Hitless Streak: 0-for-20

Support from Teammates

Yankees star Aaron Judge has faith in Volpe’s ability to overcome this slump. He advised him to "keep going," reminding him that he’s capable of outworking the competition.

Moreover, an American League scout pointed out that Volpe’s tendency to pull the ball too much could be contributing to his struggles. "He’s just too pull-happy," the scout said, highlighting that while Volpe showed promise in the playoffs, consistency has been elusive.

Looking Ahead

As the Yankees navigate a grueling stretch of 16 consecutive games, Volpe may benefit from a day off to recalibrate. Historically, he has responded well to breaks, which could be crucial for reviving his hitting form.

Additionally, fellow players are also feeling the pressure. Jasson Domínguez, who also entered the game slumping at 3-for-21 over eight games, managed to go 1-for-2 with a walk and an RBI in the loss, hinting at potential bounce-back opportunities.

Roster Changes

In other news, Pablo Reyes opted for free agency after a lackluster performance of 6-for-31 and a .468 OPS in 24 games, leaving no clear role for him on the Yankees’ roster. Meanwhile, Cody Bellinger, who logged six hits in his last three outings, was absent from Friday’s lineup against the Orioles, partly due to the matchup against veteran right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano.

Wrapping Up

As the Yankees continue to face challenges both collectively and individually, keeping an eye on Anthony Volpe’s progress will be essential. Addressing his timing, swing mechanics, and mindset could prove crucial in reversing his current slump, as well as the struggles of the Yankees’ offense as a whole.

For more analyses and updates on the Yankees, consider checking out sources like ESPN and MLB.com.